Prince William and Princess Catherine ‘deeply touched’ by public reaction to cancer news

Princess Kate, the princess of Wales, and Prince William have publicly expressed gratitude for the outpouring of worldwide support and kind messages they have received following the announcement of Kate’s undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer. This news was revealed just 28 hours prior to the appreciation statement released by a palace spokesperson, creating a wave of global concern and sympathy. Reactions were particularly strong in the UK and around the world, leading to the royals feeling extremely moved and even more appreciative of their plea for privacy being respected at this sad and difficult time.

The statement in response to her cancer diagnosis was released at 10pm on Saturday, March 23 (9am AEDT on Saturday), by Kate herself through a personal video message distributed by Kensington Palace. Major abdominal surgery initially thought to be not cancerous, led to later tests surprisingly indicating the cancer’s presence, requiring a sudden switch to a course of preventative chemotherapy for which Kate, wife of Prince William, the heir to the British throne, is now in the early stages of receiving the treatment.

The shock of the cancer diagnosis and recovering from major surgery have been quite tough for Kate, Prince William, and the entire royal family over the last couple of months. Through it all, however, King Charles III, also being treated for cancer, has professed his great pride in his beloved daughter-in-law. And, despite global speculations about the future queen who has been absent from the public eye since her abdominal surgery on January 16, Kate has requested the public to let her and her family have “space and privacy” while she completes her ongoing cancer treatment.

What form of cancer Kate has, hasn’t been disclosed and it’s unknown when she’ll return to her royal duties in line with her desire. “I look forward to being back when I am able, but for now I must focus on making a full recovery,” she had said in the video announcement. Reactions in support of Princess Kate to her announcement came quickly from world leaders, with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak lauding her “tremendous bravery” followed by expressing that “she has the love and support of the whole country”. And that support was echoed by Prince Harry and Meghan, former royals, the US government, among other entities, who all made sympathetic statements wishing her health, healing, and a complete recovery.

Also, the American administration commented about the terrible news, expressing that the Biden administration was extremely sad to learn of the princess’s health update whilst wishing her a full recovery during this difficult time. The words of White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, encapsulated the general mood everywhere, thoughts of everyone being with the princess and her family. This sentiment was visible outside Buckingham Palace with huge crowds and many bouquets as well as notes of well wishes left by the gates.